answer the questions in word

African Tales and Myths

Things to Consider:

• Myths vs. Tales
• Polytheism
• Animism
• Male & Female Roles
• Ancestor Worship
• Versions of Creation
• Transmission and Translation:
  • History of Colonialism in Africa
  • The African Saga

** Homework Questions **
(Page #s refer to the pdf‘s).
49:

• Why were African poetry and proverbs ignored for so long?
• Traditionally, was African culture monotheistic or polytheistic? Explain.

1:

• How does the African Supreme God differ from Greek and Roman gods and goddesses?
• How are myths different from tales?

2:
“Story of Creation”

• How does Mbere make man? How does this version of creation compare to other versions you’ve read or heard of?

3:
“Story of the Beginning”

• How does Nzame compare to the Christian or Jewish god?

“Lie and Truth”
7:

• Are “Lie” and “Truth” really people? Explain.
• Is this a myth or a tale? Explain. What, if any, is the moral?

“The Dog and The Cock”
10:

• Describe the treatment of women in this piece.
• Is this a myth or a tale? Explain.

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Other Discussion Questions:
49:

• Generally, what does early oral traditional poetry examine?

2:
“Why Earth”

• Who makes man?
• Why is the Earth peopled?

3:
“The Story of the Beginning of Things”

• Explain the significance of the first sentence.
• Who is Fam? Describe his relationship with Nzame.
  

4:

• Who/What is Nssissim?

5:

• What are the three “commandments”? What is the punishment for violating them?

“The Origin of Death”
6:

• Does the moon really “die”? Explain.

“The Human Race”
8:

• According to this story, how does a woman help a man “refresh” himself?
• Why is the horse-woman greedy?
• Why are the dog-women spiteful?

9:
“The Spider and the Mason-fly”

• Is this a tale or a myth? Explain.

“Spider Tries His Wives”

• Why does Spider need to “try” his wives?